Episode 43: Parkinson's Disease, the Gut-Brain Connection & Nutritional Support

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Kirstie Lawton PhD, a registered nutritional therapy practitioner and registered nutritionist with 25 years of experience, who now specialises in Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease. We explore what's really happening in the brain and body with Parkinson's, the early non-motor symptoms that can appear decades before diagnosis, and the emerging research into misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins that suggests Parkinson's may begin in the gut long before it reaches the brain. Kirstie also shares her own personal health journey, and how nutrition — from levodopa timing to the Mediterranean diet — can support people living with this condition. Key discussion points: What Parkinson's disease is and how it affects the brain Motor and non-motor symptoms, and why early signs are so easily missed The gut-brain axis and the role of the vagus nerve Genetic and environmental risk factors, including pesticide exposure How nutrition can support conventional Parkinson's medication Dietary approaches: Mediterranean, MIND and keto-flex diets Kirstie's own health story and why she moved into this field This episode is sponsored by Revive Active — 26 active ingredients for energy, immunity and heart health, available in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods and independent health stores nationwide, and online at reviveactive.com To work with Nicola one-to-one, explore her Hormone Insights & Support Service, the Liberate Food Freedom course, or practitioner mentoring, visit www.nicola-moore.com One-to-One Nutritional Therapy Hormone Insights & Support Service Liberate Food Freedom Course Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram